This Sunday, show your love for the environment and that special friend or relative, with an eco-friendly gift perfect for a green Valentine’s Day! Join UC Davis Arboretum Ambassadors, in partnership with the Aggie Reuse Store, to design do-it-yourself gifts from one-time waste.

People of all ages are invited  to “Get Down with Upcycling,” a free, open-to-the-public event this Sunday, January 22 from 1-3 p.m. at Wyatt Deck in the Arboretum or, in the event of rain, in nearby studio classroom 146 Environmental Horticulture.

“Participants will see the benefit of transforming trash or recyclables into something new, something better,” says Lauren Bradt, co-coordinator for the UC Davis Arboretum Ambassadors.

At this event Arboretum Ambassadors will be showing attendees how to create DIY (do it yourself) paintings and small storage containers, both with plastic bottle bottoms. In addition, participants will see newspaper and cardboard transformed into a flower press perfect for creating environmentally friendly cards.

“The event will start with a brief introduction explaining why it is imperative that we reduce our consumption, but then show the amazing things we can do what we already have,” explains Lea Palumbo, Arboretum Ambassador.

If you have plastic bottles of any size, bring them, if not they will be supplied. Visit the UC Davis Arboretum website (http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu) for more information.